A comprehensive review on Breast Cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer has been recognized since ancient times, with early descriptions found in Egyptian and Greek medical texts. From rudimentary surgical techniques to sophisticated diagnostic and treatment methods, knowledge of this illness has developed over centuries. Due to a variety of factors, including age, hormonal exposure, genetics, and lifestyle, breast cancer is still the most common cancer among women worldwide. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted biological agents—which are chosen based on the type and stage of the tumour—are all part of modern treatment. Results are significantly improved by early detection. Significant differences still exist between nations with varying socioeconomic statuses despite global advancements. Reducing mortality and guaranteeing fair access to care require ongoing research, better health systems, and awareness campaigns. Although breast cancer is still a significant public health concern, survival rates are improving with prompt and thorough treatment. Early references to breast cancer can be found in Egyptian and Greek medical texts, indicating that the disease is widespread and has been known since antiquity. From simple surgical excisions to sophisticated, multimodality care involving surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted biological agents, treatment has changed over centuries. Despite these developments, a variety of risk factors, including age, hormonal exposure, genetics, and lifestyle, continue to make breast cancer the most common cancer among women worldwide. An estimated 2.3 million new cases and 670,000 deaths were reported globally in 2022. Survival rates are greatly increased by early detection through screening and prompt, individualised treatment, but significant differences still exist between countries. Strong health systems in high-socioeconomic nations reduce mortality, while low- and middle-income areas are disproportionately affected by delayed diagnosis and restricted access to care. The urgent need for scalable public health interventions, improved referral systems, and fair access to high-quality cancer services is highlighted by the global mortality gap. Millions of lives could be saved by initiatives to improve treatment pathways and increase early diagnosis under the World Health Organization's Global Breast Cancer Initiative. Without such action, estimates point to a 68% increase in deaths and a nearly 38% increase in annual cases of breast cancer by 2050, with low-HDI countries being disproportionately affected. In conclusion, breast cancer continues to be a significant global public health concern despite advancements in treatment and survival; lowering mortality will necessitate ongoing funding, raising awareness, and bolstering the health system.